Metaphors in "Coal" by Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde’s “Coal” is full of metaphors. I believe that metaphors give more strength to the meaning of a message. It is also a means of explanation when there are no other words to explain. Metaphors are also used to describe a condition in an exploded and exaggerated way. Lorde first starts off with describing herself as a natural element that exists within the earth itself-coal. Coal starts off as one element and changes through the course of time depending on where it is located and what treatments it is exposed to. It may start off as a worthless chunk of earth, but when the conditions are right, the coal has the possibility of turning into a valuable diamond. So the speaker is saying that there are some things that are closed but can be opened, just like coal. An other example in the poem is the perfect combination of sounds that make words that can make or break the situation. There are words and thoughts that boggle your mind in a good way. Then there are words that make you cringe and think bad thoughts. Lorde’s metaphors are also alive and fun. This makes the poem interesting and easier to read. “Others know sun seeking like gypsies over my tongue to explode through my lips like young sparrows bursting from shell” is an example of a metaphor that brings the reader in with strength. The use of imagery of coming into the world and dancing in the sun has positive affect on the reader. Use of words is like a diamond, if the cut is correct and held into the light, it will shine with great brilliance. But if cut poorly, there will be a dull shine that is not pleasing. This is easily applied to diction used in poetry.